FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 Golf Shoe Review: A Continued Success

The FootJoy Pro SL golf shoe, first launched in 2016, quickly established itself as a top seller, favored by both amateur golfers and professionals on tour. Following positive experiences with the Pro SL Carbon in 2022 and the Pro/SLX Carbon in 2024, I was eager to test the newest iteration of the Pro/SL, a decade after its initial release.

This review focuses on the updated model for the current year, examining the FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 golf shoe.

NCG Summary

The reimagined FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 sets new benchmarks for comfort, stability, and traction. It comes highly recommended.

Pros

Outstanding lightweight comfort.
Excellent traction and performance.
Waterproof and easy to maintain.

Cons

The sporty aesthetic may not appeal to everyone.

FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 Golf Shoe: Initial Impressions

My previous favorite FootJoy model was the Pro/SLX Carbon from 2024, which remains available and offers a blend of style, performance, and comfort. FootJoy asserts that the Pro/SL 2026 represents a significant advancement for their leading spikeless shoe on tour. While the spiked Premiere model is still the most popular overall, input from tour professionals like Sahith Theegala has contributed to the Pro/SL's bold new look and top-tier performance.

Unlike the Pro/SLX Carbon's traditional design with a premium Chromoskin leather upper, the updated version features a synthetic multi-layer Z-TEC (Zonal-Targeted-Engineered-Composite) upper, engineered for stability and flexibility. The shoe boasts a streamlined, athletic, and sporty appearance. Notably, it is significantly lighter, weighing in at a mere 355 grams per shoe, approximately 30% less than its predecessor.

The Z-TEC upper is both waterproof (backed by a 2-year warranty in the US and 1 year in the UK/EU) and breathable. Generous soft padding surrounds the shoe's entry and tongue, and a new Ortholite X25 fitbed promises all-day comfort. The 3D molded ankle collar provides a soft, padded feel while maintaining excellent support.

The ARCTrax/SL outsole is equipped with 48 nubs or cones and traction fins, with 26 traction fins on each shoe. These are designed to offer multi-directional grip and enhance walking comfort.

The subtle branding, featuring a modest FJ motif on the outer heel and a similar logo on the tongue, is a tasteful touch.

I tested the white/blue/red colorway, one of four available options. The shoe looks striking and athletic, with a white front, blue heel, red stitching on the exterior, and a red/white and blue sole. Grey and black options are also available, which might be more suitable for winter play. Overall, it's a clean and attractive shoe.

Sizing

Based on past experience, it's advisable to go down half a size when selecting FootJoy footwear. I typically wear a UK 7.5 (wide), but the UK 7 in a medium width fit me perfectly in this model. An improvement I noticed was the increased room in the toe box, thanks to an updated Vantage last.

NCG Verdict

Golf shoe design and construction have advanced so much that it's rare to find a shoe that isn't comfortable within an hour of wear. The Pro/SL 2026 is no exception, delivering exceptional comfort. My feet felt securely cradled and well-supported throughout my rounds, even with the noticeably more spacious toe box.

I've worn these shoes for several rounds on my home heathland course in typical spring conditions. My feet remained dry, and although I haven't yet played a full 36 holes in them, I'm confident they would perform well, as they are among the lightest shoes I've ever worn. On uneven terrain, including fairway bunkers, the Pro/SL 2026 provides reliable stability and traction, with no signs of slipping.

Maintenance is also straightforward; a simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps the shoes looking immaculate.

In conclusion, the reimagined FootJoy Pro/SL for 2026 once again delivers, offering first-class comfort, traction, and stability. If you're in the market for new golf footwear this season, the Pro/SL is definitely worth considering.

Fit: True to Size/Small/Large/Wide/Narrow
Style: Athletic/Traditional/Off Course Friendly/All Weather/Casual
Out of Box Comfort: 10/10
Stability: 10/10
Value for Money: 10/10